SEN. JASON HOWELL’S RESPONSE TO THE GOVERNOR’S VETO OF SENATE BILL 199
FRANKFORT, Ky. (March 31, 2026) – The following is a statement from Senator Jason Howell on the veto override of Senate Bill 199, a bill establishing that a pesticide label approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under federal law is deemed a sufficient warning label under Kentucky law for purposes of state duty-to-warn claims.
“I’m glad to see the Kentucky legislature once again stand up for our farmers.”
“By overriding the governor’s veto of this much-needed bill, we reaffirmed our commitment to Kentucky’s agriculture community and a commonsense approach that protects both agriculture and public health by relying on EPA guidance for pesticide use.”
BACKGROUND
Senate Bill 199 aligns Kentucky’s pesticide labeling standards with federal law and provides clarity for manufacturers, retailers and consumers operating in Kentucky.
The EPA has exclusive control over all aspects of pesticide management including the content of warning labels. SB 199 establishes that a pesticide label approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under federal law is deemed a sufficient warning label under Kentucky law for purposes of state duty-to-warn claims.
By recognizing EPA-approved labels as meeting state requirements, the bill ensures consistency with federal standards and protects Kentucky farmers from product price increases by limiting frivolous lawsuit exposure.
The legislation provides regulatory certainty while maintaining strong consumer protections. The measure preserves accountability by maintaining liability in cases where a manufacturer knowingly withholds or misrepresents material safety information.
The bill has earned broad support from Kentucky’s agricultural and forestry communities. Kentucky Farm Bureau, Modern Ag Alliance, and Kentucky Department of Forestry Rep. Ryan Bivens, R-Hodgenville, a farmer representing the 24th House District, were all supportive of the bill.
The complete bill may be found on the Legislative Research Committee website here.